Bookshelf Organization Tips
Bookshelf organization is essential to any home. Bookshelves are often the focal point of a room—they hold our favorite stories, our hard-earned knowledge, and our most cherished mementos. Bookshelf Orgaization helps us always find our favorite books.
But there’s a fine line between a “curated library” and a “cluttered mess.” Over time, bookshelves tend to become a “catch-all” for mail, random knick-knacks, and books we bought years ago but never actually opened.
If your shelves are looking a bit overwhelmed, it’s time for a refresh. Here is a step-by-step guide to decluttering your bookshelf creating a simple bookshelf organization plan and turning it back into a source of inspiration.
Step 1 in Bookshelf Organization (Empty the shelves)
It’s tempting to just pull a few books off the shelf here and there, but for a true declutter, you need to start with a blank canvas. Take everything off the shelves to begin your bookshelf organization.
- Why it works: Seeing the empty shelves allows you to visualize the space differently. It also forces you to physically handle every single book, which makes the decision-making process more intentional.
- Pro Tip: This is the perfect (and perhaps only) time to give those shelves a deep dusting!
Be Ruthless with the “Keep” Pile
The next step of bookshelf organization is to take a look at each book. As you look at each book, ask yourself these three questions:
- Have I read this, and will I ever read it again?
- If I haven’t read it, do I realistically plan to in the next six months?
- Does this book hold sentimental value or serve as a vital reference? If the answer to all three is “no,” it’s time to let it go. Don’t keep books just because you feel like you should be the kind of person who reads them. Your bookshelf should reflect who you are now, not who you thought you’d be five years ago.
Categorize Your “Exits”
Once you’ve decided what isn’t staying, split those books into three categories:
- Donate: Most local libraries, thrift stores, and “Little Free Libraries” are happy to take books in good condition.
- Sell: If you have newer titles or textbooks, consider taking them to a used bookstore for credit or listing them on an app like PangoBooks.
- Recycle: If a book is falling apart, has water damage, or is a wildly outdated manual (like “Windows 95 for Dummies”), it’s okay to recycle it.
Organize by a System That Works for You
Once you’ve narrowed down your collection, it’s time to put them back. Choose an organization style that fits your brain:
- By Genre/Subject: Best for those with large collections who need to find a specific book quickly.
- By Color: The “Rainbow” shelf is highly controversial among bibliophiles, but there’s no denying it looks stunning in photos and brightens up a room.
- By Height: Organizing from tallest to shortest creates clean, architectural lines that feel very orderly.
- Alphabetical: The classic library method
Use the “Horizontal and Vertical” Mix
To make your bookshelf look like it was styled by a professional, don’t just line all the books up vertically.
- The Hack: Stack some books horizontally to act as “bookends” or pedestals for small decor items. This breaks up the repetitive vertical lines and adds visual interest.
Embrace Negative Space
One of the biggest mistakes in bookshelf decor is cramming every inch with books. To prevent the “cluttered” look, leave some “breathing room” (negative space).
- The Rule: Aim for about 70-80% books and 20-30% open space or decorative objects. This allows the eye to rest and makes the books you did keep stand out more.
Add “Non-Book” Elements
A decluttered bookshelf is the perfect place to display items that tell your story.
- Incorporate: Small framed photos, a unique vase, a travel souvenir, or a small trailing plant like a Pothos.
- Layering: Place a small piece of art at the back of the shelf behind a shorter stack of books to add depth.
While you are decluttering, take a look at your laundry room. It’s a quick fix after all this bookshelf organization.
